The first question that springs up is 'Does the average employee know his right'? The answer is a resounding NO! The Nigerian work environment is a military zone and employees are constantly subjected to the worst treatment. Employers consider themselves tyrants, dictators and gods in very sense and the evil/injustice meted on those who are responsible for the success of their businesses goes unpunished. This has to be looked into and the earlier it is handled, the better for everyone.
It is not often that I delve into matters outside the World of sport, especially on this platform but I have seen and experienced the most distasteful employer-employee relationship and I have decided that it is time to stand up and be counted. At least, a courageous one should bell the cat if others have decided to be cowards and wallow in their sorrows.
You see, the biggest problem we have in Nigeria is not the government like everyone thinks. The major barrier to progress is us. We are our own enemies more often than not. It is the bane of our growth. What we crave we cannot attain because we inhibit ourselves. Reading tweets some days ago, someone was complaining to GIDITRAFFIC about the unfair treatment his boss subjected him to last year. His monthly take home is #50,000 and his boss gave him #20,000 for November wages after two months. That is 40% of what he is entitled to at the end of the month. Upon protestation, which of course is expected, the boss told him to resign if he was not satisfied with the amount given. As we speak, December salary is still being withheld. This is a guy that caters for not only himself but his younger ones. For starters, #50,000 a month is chicken change in this Country of ours. Adding insult to injury, he has to rely on that meagre amount to take care of dependants. This tore my heart into shreds and I decided to speak out as I have also been a victim.
Unemployment has eaten deep into the Nigerian skin to an extent that graduates earn as little as #10,000 monthly. Jobs cannot be rejected because there are only a few ones available. Imagine completing law school and earning as little as #15,000 monthly afterwards. It is a very big issue which has been treated with levity for a long time now. No solution in sight. It is for this singular reason that employers are taking undue advantage of those they consider impoverished enough to work for them. If a Masters degree holder gracefully and happily jumps at the opportunity to work in an Organization that can supposedly afford to pay him/her #60,000 monthly, then the employer devalues the employee. It is what has led to the current state of affairs. As I write this, I am fully aware of the dangers that are associated with it but I don't even want to care a tiny little bit. Some of my former employers are guilty as charged. The only way to bring public attention fully to this unwelcome development is to make our feelings known.
What are the solutions?
We may think we are handicapped but we are not as helpless as it looks, We can always fight for our rights, irrespective of who takes the fall. Simply put, it is necessary to know your rights as an employee and enforce them without crossing the line. It is easy. Just take a little time and find out what employee rights are wherever you work, Most of us are not aware of the 'LEGAL ALERT -employment laws in Nigeria' http://www.oseroghoassociates.com/articles/88-employment-laws-in-nigeria-in-the-21st-century?print=1&download=0 . The legal alert (employment laws) is a tool the employees can use to fight employees legally. Most of us do not even surf the net to be well informed and armed with weapons of warfare when the need arises. The cruelty and callousness of the average Nigerian employer is a well known issue. It is our perception to it and the actions we should take that are quite unclear. Most of us will never react for fear of losing our jobs. The lot who do not see it as a just cause cannot be blamed because losing a job when there is no hope for another can be very disastrous. As they say, 'A bird in hand is worth millions in the bush'.......even when that bird is sick, frail and at the point of death.
No one will champion the employee cause more than those of us who are greatly affected by this utter disregard. If we are to turn the tables on the seemingly untouchable people, we have to bury our fears and call upon our inner strengths. Only then will justice be done.
Ohireime P Eboreime
@lordbaruda1987
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